Bezpieczeństwo Pracy i Ochrona Środowiska w Górnictwie Number 09/2022

Seismological research in the area of Upper Silesian Coal Basin consists on observation of precursors/symptoms of shock generation and understanding of their effects. Studies of complex impacts of rock mass provided a background for determining the conditions for the formation of exploitation and regional seismic shocks. Tectonic and exploitation stresses, extraction of coal seams at higher depths, operation in the vicinity of fault zones, often complex geological-mining conditions result in the activation of discontinuity surfaces due to stress caused by deformation of rock layers. It causes the emergence of strong shocks of energy above 107 J. Analyses of high-energy shocks, both of mining and tectonic-mining (so-called regional shocks) origin on the background of changing operating conditions, which, as a result, creates an image of periodically changing seismic activity and location of strong shocks. Observation results show that, despite declining coal extraction, with an increase of exploitation depth the number of strong shocks caused by tectonic stress (107-109 J) and exploitation stress (≥ 105 J) has been steadily increasing over the last 25 years. The application of mining and seismic experience, as well as the research and work of scientific institutions, is a very good source of information for further scientific analyses leading to forecasting the presence and size of seismic energy associated with strong regional and exploitation shocks.

The availability of water in mining plant in the right quality, pressure and temperature is crucial for the continuity of the plant’s operation. The article presents selected technical solutions implemented at Lubelski Węgiel “Bogdanka” S.A. making possible to adjust the parameters of technological water to the requirements of equipment and to conduct continuous monitoring of its parameters. The plant undertakes also activities aimed at introducing new technologies for maintaining proper water condition in the production process. Due to the rapidly declining natural resources, large-scale activities will allow to fit in with the currently desired trends in saving groundwater and lowering the discharge underground water into the environment.